To: Everyone

Every time I start to forget why I cut certain people out of my life, they remind me. I need to write this stuff down. These people are so not worth the frustration and emotional drama that I allow them to put me through (not that anyone is). These folks are taking up way too much of my time. There are people out in the world who want, need and will actually use the gifts that I have to share. They will use my advice, my support, my dedication and loyalty to better their situation...to grow. So...

Do not ask questions you don't want to hear the answers to.

Don't expect me to keep listening to your same old drama, give you the same (and very accurate) advice only to have you not follow it (even though you know you should).

For those that seek my opinion then proceed to discount what I say or turn it against me: No Comment.

To the ones who pretended to be on a journey with me, who told me that they would follow me anywhere then made excuses or disappeared... you know my motto: "I'll do it with or without you." The choice is yours.

And finally for those to whom I have done (and in some cases is still doing) any of the above...I apologize. I love you and value your wisdom, your support and your unfailing loyalty. I will do better. If you are reading this and you're not sure if you fall into this category...you will when I make you proud!

New Year, New Goals!

I know I've posted goals on here before. But I think I finally figured out what I ought to be doing in the first place. I will still be writing quite a bit. I've got a few good stories for kid books, 1 mystery for grownups, and several articles in the works. I've also started an "irrational passion" blog called Dividend Investing Newbie. Yes, I know. But I figured if I'm compelled to write, then I should be writing about all the stuff I love. As the title of my new blog suggests, I have no idea what I'm doing. So, I might as well blog about that too.

I've also decided to devote more time to my Avon business. I mean, the whole reason I started was so that I could stay at home and do more writing. Now I don't run around making deliveries to peoples houses or anything. I do online orders only. Again, so I can have more time for writing.

The downside to being at home is that I'm never alone. I commend those people that can block everything out. I'm jealous of anyone who actually has an office or a dedicated writing space. Those are truly luxuries here. Now the upside is that my youngest will be going to kindergarten in the fall:) But I'm not really the patient type. I need to get the ball rolling on my articles. I want to have everyone enrolled in a summer program so that I can truly focus.

*Sigh*
All of my projects have the potential for providing a full time income. All I have to do is focus. Easier said than done for a Gemini with ADD tendencies.  

All I Needed Was to Develop Some Character

Lately, I've been back in my writing mode. I  have tons of ideas. However, I always get stuck. My stories fall flat and have no where to go. My characters end up having not have any real character. Boring! Today, I came across an article on Writer's Digest that addressed one of the main problems I've been having: What would my character do next? The article is called 5 Tips for Creating Characters for Kids. The author, Ann Whitford Paul, talks about developing your character first. Once you know everything thing there is to know about their personality, appearance, family, hobbies, and favorite color, food, etc., then you'll know where the story will go. It all depends on the choices that your character is likely to make.

I'm immensely glad I found this particular article. This isn't the first time I've come across this piece of advice. But I guess this has been the most helpful, the most detailed.My characters and stories are much more rich. I can see them, touch them. I let you guys know what I'm working on soon.